Congratulations, graduate! The Ohio Housing Finance Agency's (OHFA) Grants for Grads provides a discounted mortgage interest rate to recent graduates as an additional incentive for you to make Ohio your home.
Grants for Grads includes 2.5% or 5% down payment assistance. Down payment assistance is forgiven after five years as long as you remain in the state of Ohio. If you sell your home and move out of Ohio within five years, you must repay some or all of the assistance provided.
Am I Eligible?
You may qualify for an OHFA homebuyer program if you meet the criteria listed below:
- You have not owned or had an ownership interest in your primary residence in the last three years.
- You meet income and purchase price limits.
- You meet credit score requirements.
- Conventional, USDA and VA Loans: 640 or higher
- FHA Loans: 650 or higher
- You meet debt to income ratios for your loan type.
- Borrowers must have graduated within the last 48 months with an associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctorate or other post-graduate degree from an accredited college or university.
Homebuyer Education
Qualified buyers are required to complete free homebuyer education. OHFA's streamlined education program allows you to complete a course offered by any U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved counseling agency in Ohio. Please note, OHFA homebuyer education is not completed until after homebuyer has submitted their loan application with their loan officer. Homebuyer Education is not required for borrowers who are only registered for our MTC Basic program.
Free Homeowner Resources
Qualified buyers will be eligible to join Power of Home, a new program that provides free homeowner resources through the Framework® platform. New tools and resources will be available to help you manage, maintain and build equity in your home.
When you sign up, you will be able to:
- Explore homeowner resources to manage your home investment.
- Access an affordable loan for home repairs, improvement, and modifications from Huntington®.
- Meet your financial goals with free financial coaching and counseling services to reduce your debt and more from Apprisen.
- Search over 250 local home maintenance, energy assistance grant, and loan programs.
You'll also have the opportunity to test new features and participate in a research study with The Ohio State University when you complete the homebuyer education.
How Do I Apply?
OHFA works with lenders, credit unions and mortgage companies across the state. Find an OHFA-approved lender in your area, along with tips to help you with the application process, or call us toll-free at 888.362.6432.